THE BEST IN BEAUTY FROM THOSE WHO KNOW BEST

VIOLET GREY began with our search for the best eyelash curler. To find the answer, we formed a band of inside-Hollywood experts and editors — from makeup artists to movie stars — to test every eyelash curler against our rigorous set of standards (the VIOLET CODE). We tested on film sets, on red carpets, and in the back of Jack Nicholson’s limousine — and once we learned which curler would make our lashes curve and not crimp (Utowa, it’s from Japan), we moved on to mascara, lip stain, dry shampoo, and everything else a girl needs in her cosmetic wardrobe. On any given day, we are discovering, testing, and approving best-in-class beauty. The result is a discerning curation of products, tips, and inspiration deemed essential — the Industry’s Beauty Edit.

10 summer
hair carestaples

From a nutritive regenerating mask to an anti-frizz styling aid, here’s how to give damaged hair a vacation.

Written By NATALIA GARDUÑO

Photography ByANNA PALMA

Weeks of chlorine, direct sun, humidity, and office AC can wreak havoc on even the healthiest of strands. And although we stress caution when it comes to seasonal hair offenders, we also recognize the value of a summer well spent. So, how to embrace summer’s carefree spirit while rehabing strands by Labor Day? With a foolproof hair care arsenal that hits the sweet spot between hardworking and low-maintenance. After all, you have better things to do with your summer Fridays than spend an afternoon at the salon.

And so: we’ve assembled ten must-haves that have been thoroughly vetted by our committee courtesy of the VIOLET CODE. This means you can allocate more time to kicking back at the beach (not worrying about a halo of frizz) and that you don’t have to trouble with hot tools (because that’s masochism in a heatwave?). One last thing: it’s worth noting that each of these products can be employed year-round to keep good hair going long after summer’s end.

Fact: Scrubbing your scalp is just as critical as exfoliating your face. Residue from styling products and excess oil can easily be expelled with this detox treatment. And dandruff? It can sort that out, too.

Leave it to Kim Kardashian West's hair stylist to bottle up perfectly-tousled and touchable beach wave texture. The spray is infused with rice protein instead of salt, so you get definition without drying out locks. And because the volumizing leave-in formula works on dry or wet strands, you can skip heat styling altogether.

Yes, you need fancy sunscreen for your hair. This version from French hair care brand Leonor Greyl shields locks with a UVA/UVB protection while enhancing their overall appearance—think more lustrous, smooth, super-sleek strands—with jojoba oil and shea butter. To top it all off, there’s beeswax for styling power.

Because humidity is bound to happen, we suggest keeping this conditioning cream on standby. Not only does it lock out moisture when hair gets temperamental, but it smoothes out texture, adds shine, and delivers a shot of vitality with vitamin-rich pomelo fruit.

“The trick to Cool Girl hair is making it look like you haven’t even tried. It’s the antithesis to done hair,” explains legendary hair stylist Sam McKnight. Thankfully you can get the guru’s signature style in a can. A spritz of the barely-there formula adds a long-lasting, naturally tousled effect.

Does a silk hair tie seem trivial? Well, think of all the breakage you’re creating every time you toss your hair up in a messy bun. Slip’s scrunchies offers your hair the same protective benefits of sleeping on their silk pillowcases, plus it looks ten times better than an elastic band on your wrist.

Wet hair is vulnerable hair. Made especially for VIOLET GREY, this hair-drying turban is woven from ultra-fine fibers with superior water-wicking capabilities. The turban dries hair 50 percent faster than a regular cotton towel, helps maintain strong hair, reduces frizz, and increases shine. In other words, take it to the pool, the beach, or wherever you happen to be rinsing off.